Shocking:Collingwood Decided To Parts Ways with Him After Two Decades of Service…

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, Collingwood Football Club has officially parted ways with long-serving list manager and recruiting guru Derek Hine. The announcement comes just weeks after the Magpies celebrated their triumphant 2023 Premiership victory, marking a stunning turn of events for one of the club’s most pivotal behind-the-scenes figures.

Hine, who has been with Collingwood for nearly 20 years, is credited with shaping the modern Magpies through his astute recruitment and list management strategies. His ability to identify and secure talent—both established stars and young prospects—has been a cornerstone of the club’s success over the past two decades. From the recruitment of stalwarts like Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom to unearthing gems like Nick Daicos, Hine’s legacy is intertwined with the very fabric of Collingwood’s modern history.

The club released a brief statement thanking Hine for his contributions but offered little insight into the reasons behind the decision.

“Derek Hine has been an integral part of the Collingwood Football Club for the better part of two decades. His vision and expertise have played a significant role in shaping the team that brought home the 2023 Premiership. We thank Derek for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” the statement read.

However, insiders suggest that the decision may not have been entirely amicable. Sources close to the club have hinted at tensions between Hine and senior management regarding the club’s future recruitment strategy. With Collingwood looking to sustain their success and evolve their list, it’s believed that disagreements over the direction of the club’s next phase may have contributed to the shock departure.

The timing of the announcement has left many fans and commentators stunned. Just months ago, Hine was being lauded for his role in assembling a Premiership-winning side, a feat that capped off one of the most remarkable rebuilds in recent memory. To now see him exiting the club has raised questions about what might be happening behind closed doors at the Holden Centre.

“This is a massive call from Collingwood,” said one AFL analyst. “Derek Hine is not just any list manager—he’s one of the best in the business. For a club to part ways with someone of his caliber right after winning a Premiership is almost unheard of.”

The decision has also sparked an outpouring of emotion from Collingwood fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their gratitude and disbelief.

“Derek Hine is the reason we’ve had sustained success for so long. This feels like a massive loss for the club,” one supporter wrote on Twitter.

Others, however, have speculated that the move signals a bold new chapter for the Magpies. With the club now firmly established as a powerhouse, some believe Collingwood may be looking to bring in fresh perspectives to ensure their dominance continues.

For Hine, the departure marks the end of an era. Having joined Collingwood in the early 2000s, he played a key role in building not one but two Premiership-winning sides—first in 2010 and then again in 2023. His eye for talent, combined with his strategic acumen, has earned him widespread respect across the AFL industry.

While his next move remains uncertain, there’s little doubt that Hine will be a highly sought-after figure. Rival clubs will likely be queuing up for his services, eager to tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise he brings.

For Collingwood, the focus now shifts to finding a replacement capable of filling Hine’s sizable shoes. With the AFL Draft fast approaching, the timing of this decision adds another layer of complexity to an already crucial period for the club.

Whatever the reasons behind this dramatic exit, one thing is clear: Derek Hine’s departure marks a seismic shift for the Collingwood Football Club. The reverberations of this decision will be felt both on and off the field for years to come.